Varn Wins 2025 Great Yuba Pass Chili Cook-Off

YUBA PASS — Unlike many Chili Cook-offs held on the first Saturday of March at Yuba Pass every year over the past three decades, the weather was beautiful last Saturday morning. The sky was devoid of clouds, and no wind whisked away the sun’s warmth while 13 contestants shared their homemade concoctions and various bribes for the crowd of a couple hundred people attending the event.

Entrants included (by assigned entry number):

#13 - The Crackpot Chili, presented by Downieville’s Don Russell, who also provided whiskey (Evan Williams 1783) or hot chocolate to those who sampled his chili, received enough votes to place fifth in this year’s competition.

#12 - 3 Bean Firecracker Chili, along with super spicy screwdrivers, was given out by Tracy Leonard (aka That Girl in Rocklin, who owns a home in the Haskell Creek Summer Home Tract) and Karen Couwenhaven. This team won

#11 - Ark-Site Delite II - The Reckoning, a “Jimmy Buffet-style” chili, failed to supply patrons with any libations (bribes); however, this entry still earned 3rd place in the competition.

#10 - Tony’s Chili, a new recipe for Tony, failed to win an award even though the bottle of Jack Daniels at his booth was nearly empty by the end of the day.

#9 - Habener Chili Delight, the chili brought from Loyalon by Dan Henson, received the “Mickey Mouse” trophy due to a bribe given earlier in the week to the event’s organizer, Terry Le Blanc.

#8 - The Spicy Thai chili served by Shawn and Monica of Downieville was accompanied by sake, beer, and sparkling water to help patrons cleanse their palates, and the combination worked out well - the judges awarded Shawn and Monica second place in the competition and received the “People’s Choice” award, as well.

#7 - Editor’s Choice, a blend of steak and chorizo chili, was presented by Laurie Halliday and Scott Steinwert of Downieville (the parents of this newspaper’s editor), who also served Peanut Butter Whiskey, fresh lemons, chocolates, and, according to the buzz heard at the Yuba Pass Sno-Park, the best cookies brought to the event. Sadly, their chili failed to win a trophy.

#6 - Head First Chili and beer were served to attendees by Andy White of Loyalton, a perennial, top-notch participant in Sierra County’s “social event of the year.” The judges gave Andy’s chili fourth place this year, a slot he will undoubtedly attempt to exceed in 2026.

#5 - Bakerland Crack Filler chili, graced with crumbled cornbread, onions, and cheese, plus pork sliders and Maker’s Mark (hidden under the counter) came to the event from Sierra Brooks. Alas, the judges awarded this entry the “Ass Last” trophy.

#4 - The Rooten Tooten Roscoe chili came to Yuba Pass from Sparks, and those who visited this booth were given a choice of Captain Morgan rums - Chili Lime or Parrot Bay - and cookies to help sway voters. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out. The Rooten Tooten team also placed among the “also-ran” crowd.

#3 - Becky’s Bassetts Station chili, accompanied by various free drinks and a tray full of excellent focaccia bread, failed to garner the judge’s favor enough to move out from the “also-ran” category.

#2 - Campbell Chili Soup: Despite providing a wide variety of libations - Peach Whiskey, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Fireball, and Coffee Hooch - along with white cornbread and chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, this entry also failed to gain a trophy.

#1 - The Boobs, Booze, and Birrias chili, devoted to promoting breast cancer awareness and research, also offered white cupcakes adorned with pink nipple candy, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, and lemonade (for the teetotalers). This entry, provided by the team of Jenny Varn, Laura Marshall, Heather Foster, and Judi Behlke, took home this year’s first-place trophy.

In summary, the event, a great opportunity for mid-winter socializing, was a joy to attend, and Yuba Pass is looking forward to welcoming everyone again in 2026, whether or not the weather is cold or balmy.